1. What is a Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates your Basal Metabolic Rate - the number of calories your body needs at complete rest to maintain basic functions.

Purpose: It helps with weight management by determining your minimum daily caloric needs before accounting for physical activity.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Mifflin-St Jeor formula:

Where:

• \( BMR \) — Basal Metabolic Rate (kcal/day)
• \( W \) — Weight (kg)
• \( H \) — Height (cm)
• \( A \) — Age (years)
• \( S \) — Sex adjustment (+5 for men, -161 for women)

Explanation: This formula accounts for body size, age, and sex differences in metabolic rate.

3. Importance of BMR Calculation

Details: Knowing your BMR is essential for creating effective diet plans, whether for weight loss, maintenance, or gain.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your weight in kg, height in cm, age in years, and select your sex. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why are there different values for men and women?
A: Men typically have more muscle mass and less body fat than women, resulting in a higher metabolic rate.

Q2: How accurate is this calculator?
A: The Mifflin-St Jeor equation is considered the most accurate for healthy individuals, with about 10% margin of error.

Q3: Does this account for activity level?
A: No, this is your basal rate. Multiply by an activity factor (1.2-2.5) to estimate total daily energy expenditure.

Q4: Why does age reduce BMR?
A: Metabolism naturally slows with age due to decreased muscle mass and changes in hormonal and neurological processes.

Q5: How often should I recalculate my BMR?
A: Recalculate after significant weight changes (5+ kg) or yearly as you age.